Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Seizure of Iraqi National Library

On August 10 the Iraq National Library and Archives was seized at gunpoint and occupied by Iraqi security forces. There are fears that the building will be the subject of looting, vandalism, and attack by opposing forces.

After the collapse of Saddam’s regime, the library lost many rare books and ancient artifacts to looters and arsonists. The librarian and his staff have rebuilt the library since then, but the collection is now at risk again.

The library director’s diary has been posted by the British Library, and makes fascinating reading.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2145707,00.html – An article in The Guardian about the seizure of the library.
http://www.bl.uk/iraqdiary07.html - The diary of Saad Eskander, Director of the INLA

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